The Atlanta Hawks are one of the oldest NBA franchises. When the team was called the St. Louis Hawks in the 1950s were one of the best, winning a championship and reaching the Finals four times over a five-year period. However, since moving to Atlanta, the team has not found the same success, even making it to the finals. Over the years, the franchise has had many amazing players who performed incredibly and became symbols of the team. Let’s have a look at the 10 best players in the history of the Hawks franchise.
10. Tree Rollins
Tree Rollins began his NBA career in 1977 with the Atlanta Hawks and spent eleven seasons with them. Rollins was never a standout player, as he averaged 5.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 2.2 blocks per game with a player efficiency rating of 13.6. However, he remained loyal to the Hawks franchise, so he finished in the top 10 in franchise history in win shares, rebounds, blocks and VORP.
9. Trae Young
Young was the overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks. However, he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for the third overall pick, Luka Doncic. Young has played only five seasons with the Hawks till now but is already considered one of the best players in the franchise’s history. “Ice Trae” averages 25.5 points, 9.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 0.9 steals per game, with a player efficiency rating of 22.2. He has already accumulated a 13.3 VORP. Fans are hopeful that he will be the one to bring the first NBA title to Atlanta.
8. Mookie Blaylock
After spending the first three seasons of his NBA career with the New Jersey Nets, Mookie Blaylock joined the Atlanta Hawks and spent seven seasons with them. He averaged 14.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 2.6 steals per game, with a player efficiency rating of 18.4. Mookie is still the franchise’s all-time leader in Box Plus/Minus, triple-doubles, and steals. He is second in Value over Replacement Player and assists.
7. John Drew
John Drew made his debut with the Atlanta Hawks in 1974 and went on to play eight seasons for the franchise. He averaged 21.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Drew ranks fifth in franchise history in points, fourth in steals, sixth in win shares and seventh in VORP. Drew was an incredible player, but he didn’t have enough good teammates to fight for the title. After spending eight seasons with the Hawks, Drew finished his career by playing three seasons with the Utah Jazz.
6. Al Horford
Al Horford was the third overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. Although he did not live up to the expectations of the third overall pick, “Big I” played quite well and averaged 14.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.2 blocks per game in his nine seasons with the team. Horford ranks in the top 10 in franchise history in rebounds, blocks, win shares, VORP and Box Plus Minus.
5. Dikembe Mutombo
After spending five seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Mutombo joined the Atlanta Hawks. He was a prolific defensive player, averaging 11.9 points, 12.6 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game in 4.5 seasons with the franchise. He won the Defensive Player of the Year award once. Dikembo was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2000–01 midseason but is still one of the best players in Hawks history.
4. Lou Hudson
Lou Hudson was the fourth overall pick in the 1966 NBA Draft, selected by the St. Louis Hawks. He played eleven seasons with the Hawks franchise, averaging 22 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game with an 18.0 player efficiency rating. “Sweet Lou” made it to the All-Star game for six consecutive years. He ranks third in franchise history in points and fourth in win shares.
3. Cliff Hagan
Cliff Hagen was part of the Hawks franchise for a decade. He was one of the stars of the only NBA championship in franchise history. During the 1957–58 playoffs, Hagan was the leader in points per game with 27.7 and averaged 10.5 rebounds per game. During his 10 seasons with the Hawks franchise, Hagan averaged 18 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. He ranks third in franchise history in win shares, fourth in points, ninth in rebounds and tenth in assists.
2. Dominique Wilkins
Dominique Wilkins began his NBA career with the Atlanta Hawks in 1982 and went on to play 12 seasons with the franchise. He averaged 26.4 points per game, 6.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.4 steals during his stint with the team. Wilkins had an incredible NBA career, which he built primarily with the Hawks. “The Human Highlight Film” is a seven-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Star and was a scoring champion in the 1985–86 season. He is the all-time leader in Hawks history in points and VORP. Wilkins is also in the top five in win shares and Box Plus/Minus.
1. Bob Pettit
Bob Pettit is definitely the best player in Hawks franchise history. After playing one season with the Milwaukee Bucks, Pettit joined the St. Louis Hawks. He was an All-Star and All-NBA player in all eleven seasons he played in the league. “Big Blue” was Rookie of the Year, a two-time MVP, was a two-time scoring champion and rebounding champion. He was the star player in the Hawks’ 1957–58 championship victory. He is the all-time leader in franchise history in player efficiency rating and win shares.
